Hop Aboard: Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum offers Ice Cream Trains for Mint Festival

Next Saturday, June 20th, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is combining two of summer's best things — ice cream and a train ride — for a special Ice Cream Train event in celebration of the Mint Festival.

Before boarding, riders will enjoy a cool treat courtesy of Sallie's Small Batch Ice Creams, then settle in for a leisurely excursion through the Indiana countryside. Various seating options are available for the Ice Cream Trains, and departures are scheduled throughout the day at 11:00 a.m., noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. (Central Time).

Steam and diesel train excursions depart from the depot at 507 Mulberry Street in historic North Judson and travel approximately five miles round-trip to the Kankakee River at English Lake before returning to the station. Each trip lasts roughly 45 minutes, taking passengers through the rural farm country of northwestern Indiana and the remnants of the Grand Kankakee Marsh — where wildflowers, butterflies, and wildlife are frequently spotted along the way.

The museum is situated near the former junction of the Erie, Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio, and New York Central Railroads, making it a historically rich destination for railroad enthusiasts of all ages.

Ticket prices begin at $14.00. Infants and toddlers may ride free but must remain on a parent's or guardian's lap. Purchasing tickets in advance at www.hoosiervalley.org is strongly recommended, as seating is limited. Online purchases will include a booking fee. The museum's refund policy is available on the website.

While at the depot, visitors are encouraged to explore the museum and grounds, where admission is always free. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is home to one of the largest collections of working railroad signals in the country, as well as a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car. Rolling stock, engines, and railroading memorabilia from a by-gone era are on display throughout the grounds.

The Ice Cream Trains are just one highlight in a packed season at HVRM. Regular Saturday diesel and steam excursions continue through the end of September. Additional Ice Cream Train dates are scheduled for select special weekends. The museum's annual Civilians & Soldiers in History event is set for Saturday, July 11th, featuring displays, reenactors, and special train excursions. As fall arrives, look for Pumpkin and Twilight Trains, followed by Santa Trains in late November and December.

HVRM is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events, including school groups, can be arranged by contacting the depot directly.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.hoosiervalley.org or call the depot at 574-896-3950 on Saturdays.